Quadrangle (Quad)
A standard area, often used in mapping (such as USGS topographic maps), defined by lines of latitude and longitude. Quadrangles are important for organizing and referencing spatial data.
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What is Quadrangle (Quad) known for?
Standardized rectangular areas of the Earth's surface are called quadrangles (Quads) and are frequently used in mapping, especially by national mapping organizations such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It is well-known for acting as the fundamental building block of topographic maps, particularly in extensive mapping initiatives.
Key Features:
Geographic Coverage: Quads are typically bounded by lines of latitude and longitude, covering a fixed geographic area.
Map Scale: Common quadrangle maps include:
7.5-minute series: Covers 7.5 minutes of latitude and longitude each and is usually mapped at a 1:24,000 scale (in the U.S.).
15-minute series: Covers 15 minutes of latitude and longitude and is often at a 1:62,500 scale.
Naming Convention: Often named after a prominent feature within the area, such as a city, mountain, or lake.
Usage: Widely used for topographic, geological, environmental, and land-use studies.
An essential spatial unit in mapping, a quadrangle (or quad) offers a standardized framework for making, referencing, and evaluating topographic and thematic maps.
Related Keywords
Geometry's Coordinate Quadrant System uses an x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical) to identify points on a two-dimensional plane. Beginning in the upper-right corner and working counterclockwise, the plane is separated into four quadrants, designated I through IV. In mathematical, mapping, and GIS applications, each quadrant's distinct combination of positive and negative x and y values aids in the accurate placement and analysis of points.
In mathematics, a quadrant graph is a coordinate plane that has been split into four halves, or quadrants, by the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis. Quadrant I (+,+), Quadrant II (−,+), Quadrant III (−,−), and Quadrant IV (+,−) each indicate a combination of positive and negative values for x and y. Plotting points, illustrating the relationships between variables, and resolving algebraic or geometrical issues are all accomplished with quadrant graphs.
The vertical y-axis and horizontal x-axis split the Cartesian plane into four quadrants. Quadrant I (x > 0, y > 0), Quadrant II (x < 0, y > 0), Quadrant III (x < 0, y < 0), and Quadrant IV (x > 0, y < 0) are the four quadrants, which are numbered counterclockwise. Using the indications of the coordinates, each quadrant aids in point location.
One of the four parts formed when the coordinate plane is split by the x and y axes is referred to as a quadrant in geometry. Beginning in the upper-right corner and working counterclockwise, each quadrant is assigned a number between I and IV. The x and y coordinates of the points in each quadrant have distinct sign patterns.